Printer and printing system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a printing apparatus having: an antenna for communicating wirelessly with an element that is provided on an ink container; and an attach/detach section to and from which a storage medium can be attached and detached. The antenna is a flat antenna, the antenna is capable of communicating wirelessly with the storage medium attached to the attach/detach section, the medium is parallel to the antenna when the storage medium is attached to the attach/detach section, one side of the antenna faces the element, and the other side of the antenna faces the storage medium attached to the attach/detach section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to printing apparatuses for printing on amedium to be printed such as paper. The present invention also relatesto printing systems that comprise such printing apparatuses.

Further, the present application claims priority on Japanese PatentApplication No. 2002-75033 filed on Mar. 18, 2002, Japanese PatentApplication No. 2002-78719 filed on Mar. 20, 2002, and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2002-78720 filed on Mar. 20, 2002, which are hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Various types of printers are known as printing apparatuses for printingon various kinds of media to be printed such as paper, cloth, and film.These printers widely adopt the cartridge style in which ink iscontained in an ink container and is made attachable/detachable.

For such cartridge-style printers, a method of providing a memory on thecartridge in order to monitor, for example, the amount of ink remainingin the cartridge is known. Further, information is appropriately writteninto or read out from this memory.

However, when writing into or reading out from the memory provided onthe cartridge, if a contact-type connector has to be used, thedurability of the contact section becomes a problem.

(1) In view of the above, in the present invention, an antenna is usedto carry out wireless communication with an element (for example, astorage unit having a memory) provided on the ink container (forexample, a cartridge). The first invention has an object of providing aprinting apparatus which effectively utilizes this antenna.

(2) Further, when communication is to be carried out wirelessly, it ispreferable to be able to communicate with a weak radio wave. The secondinvention has an object of providing a power-conserving printer byestablishing a state in which communication is possible even with a weakradio wave.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus having:an antenna for communicating wirelessly with an element that is providedon an ink container; and an attach/detach section to and from which astorage medium can be attached and detached, wherein:

-   -   the antenna is a flat antenna;    -   the antenna is capable of communicating wirelessly with the        storage medium attached to the attach/detach section;    -   the medium is parallel to the antenna when the storage medium is        attached to the attach/detach section;    -   one side of the antenna faces the element; and    -   the other side of the antenna faces the storage medium attached        to the attach/detach section.

A second aspect of the present invention has: a moving body to and fromwhich an ink container can be attached and detached; and an antenna thatis provided on the moving body and that is for reading and writinginformation wirelessly with respect to an element provided on the inkcontainer,

-   -   wherein    -   when the ink container is attached to the moving body, the        antenna presses the element.

It should be noted that it is also possible to perceive the presentinvention from other viewpoints. Other features of the present inventionwill be made clear by the attached drawings and the discussion in thepresent description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall configuration of aninkjet printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a carriage of theinkjet printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the periphery of a carrying unit ofthe inkjet printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a linear encoder.

FIG. 5A is a timing chart showing waveforms of output signals when a CRmotor is rotating forward. FIG. 5B is a timing chart showing waveformsof output signals when the CR motor is rotating in reverse.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a cartridge. FIG.6B is a schematic diagram of a frame.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of thecartridge, an internal structure of the frame, and the state when thecartridge is mounted on the frame.

FIG. 8A is a plan perspective view showing a structure of a storageunit. FIG. 8B is a block diagram for explaining an internal structure ofthe storage unit and a transmit-receive section.

FIG. 9A is an external view showing a package before it is opened. FIG.9B is an external view showing a package when it has been opened.

FIG. 10A is a plan perspective view showing a structure of a memorycard. FIG. 10B is a block diagram for explaining an internal structureof the memory card and the transmit-receive section.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an external appearance of the printerof the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationshipbetween a slot and an antenna of the printer of the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating operation in thepresent embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state inwhich the antenna cannot communicate with the storage unit.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating operation in thepresent embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state inwhich the antenna can communicate with the storage unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method for usingthe memory card of the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of acomputer system.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the computersystem.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an external appearance of a printeraccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for when a driver of a computer unit is set.

FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram showing a structure of the cartridge.FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram of an attach/detach section.

FIG. 21 is a sectional diagram showing an internal structure of thecartridge, an internal structure of the attach/detach section, and astate in which the cartridge is mounted on the attach/detach section.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship betweenthe antennas and the storage units.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a transmit-receive section in thecase of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating operation in thepresent embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state inwhich the antenna cannot communicate with a memory card.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a communicating operation in thepresent embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing a state inwhich the antenna can communicate with the memory card.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship betweenan antenna and storage units according to another embodiment.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a transmit-receive section in thecase of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship betweenan antenna and storage units according to another embodiment.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement of a storage unitand an arrangement of an antenna according to another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

1 printer, 3 housing, 5 top lid, 7 operating section, 10 paper carryingunit, 11A paper-supply insertion opening, 11B paper discharge opening,12 paper supply motor, 13 paper supply roller, 14 platen, 15 paper feedmotor (PF motor), 16 paper feed motor driver (PF motor driver), 17Apaper feed roller, 17B paper discharge rollers, 18A and 18B freerollers, 19A, 19B, and 19C gears,

20 ink ejection unit, 21 head, 22 head driver, 30 cleaning unit, 31 pumpdevice, 32 pump motor, 33 pump motor driver, 35 capping device,

40 carriage unit, 41 carriage, 42 carriage motor (CR motor), 43 carriagemotor driver (CR motor driver), 44 pulley, 45 timing belt, 46 guiderail,

50 measuring instrument group, 51 linear encoder, 511 linear scale, 512detection section, 512A light-emitting diode, 512B collimating lens,512C detection processing section, 512D photodiodes, 512E signalprocessing circuit, 512F comparators, 52 rotary encoder, 53 paperdetection sensor,

60 control unit, 61 CPU, 62 timer, 63 interface section, 64 ASIC, 65memory, 66 DC controller, 67 host computer, 70 cartridge, 71 body, 72ink containing section, 73 ink supply opening,

80 frame (attach/detach section), 81 retaining section, 82 bottomsection, 83 needle, 84 recessed section, 85 guides, 86 fixing tool, 87lid, 88 rotation shaft, 89 clamping tool, 90 storage unit, 91 IC chip,911 rectifier, 913 signal analysis section RF, 915 control section, 917memory cell, 92 capacitor, 93 antenna, 94 film, 95 transmit-receivesection, 96 antenna, 97 transmit-receive circuit,

100 slot,

110 memory card, 111 IC chip, 1111 rectifier, 1113 signal analysissection RF, 1115 control section, 1117 memory cell, 112 capacitor, 113antenna, 114 film,

200 package, 210 paper, 220 packaging means

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

At least the following matters will be made clear by the discussion inthe present description and the accompanying drawings.

A printing apparatus comprises: an antenna for communicating wirelesslywith an element that is provided on an ink container; and anattach/detach section to and from which a storage medium can be attachedand detached,

-   -   wherein:    -   the antenna is a flat antenna;    -   the antenna is capable of communicating wirelessly with the        storage medium attached to the attach/detach section;    -   the medium is parallel to the antenna when the storage medium is        attached to the attach/detach section;    -   one side of the antenna faces the element; and    -   the other side of the antenna faces the storage medium attached        to the attach/detach section.

According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna is capable ofcommunicating not only with the element that is provided on the inkcontainer, but is also capable of communicating with the storage mediumthat is set on the attach/detach section, thus it is possible toeffectively use the antenna. In short, one feature is to utilize thecharacteristic that the antenna generates a magnetic field not only inthe direction of the element provided on the ink container, but also inother directions. That is, according to such a printing apparatus, byutilizing the feature that the flat antenna generates a magnetic fieldon both sides, it is possible to communicate wirelessly with both thestorage medium and the element. Further, since this flat antenna and thestorage medium become parallel, wireless communication between theantenna and the storage medium is brought into a satisfactory state.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antennais provided on a lid which is opened and closed when the ink containeris exchanged. According to such a printing apparatus, since the elementand the antenna are brought into a state in which they do not face eachother when the ink container is being exchanged, it is possible to makethe exchange of the ink container easy.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that theattach/detach section is provided on the lid. According to such aprinting apparatus, since the attach/detach section is opened and closedwith the lid, it is possible to make the exchange of the ink containereasy.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the printingapparatus further comprises a moving body to and from which the inkcontainer can be attached and detached; and the antenna is provided on alid of the moving body. According to such a printing apparatus, sincethe antenna is capable of communicating with the element during printingand the distance between the element and the antenna is shortened,communication is possible even with a weak radio wave.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the materialof the lid is a nonmagnetic material. According to such a printingapparatus, reliability of communication with the storage medium set onthe attach/detach section is improved.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that theattach/detach section is a nonmagnetic material. According to such aprinting apparatus, reliability of communication with the storage mediumset on the attach/detach section is improved.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that theattach/detach section restricts the position of the storage medium.According to such a printing apparatus, the position of the storagemedium is restricted, and thus, reliability of communication with thestorage medium is improved.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the attach/detachsection is a slot for inserting the storage medium. According to such aprinting apparatus, the position of the inserted storage medium isrestricted, and thus, reliability of communication with the storagemedium is improved.

Further, in this printing apparatus, the printing apparatus furthercomprises a unit for preventing clogging of nozzles that eject ink; andthe antenna is provided above the unit. According to such a printingapparatus, the antenna is capable of communicating with the elementduring the operation of preventing clogging of the nozzles.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antennais provided above a region where printing is carried out on a medium tobe printed. According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna iscapable of communicating with the element during printing operations.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antennacommunicates information about an amount of ink with the element.According to such a printing apparatus, the antenna can write, into theelement, information about the ink amount in real time during printingoperations.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antennacommunicates information about a medium to be printed with the storagemedium. According to such a printing apparatus, the printing apparatuscan obtain information about the medium to be printed via the antenna.

Note that, in this printing apparatus, it is possible that conditionsfor the printing operation are set up based on the information about themedium to be printed. According to such a printing apparatus, since itis possible to carry out printing in compliance with the medium to beprinted, high-precision printing can be carried out. Further, in thisprinting apparatus, the conditions for the printing operation may be acondition about the timing for ejecting ink or a condition about anamount of ink ejection. According to such a printing apparatus, highprecision printing can be carried out.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the storagemedium is packaged together with the medium to be printed; and when theprinting apparatus prints on the medium to be printed, the storagemedium is taken out independently of the medium to be printed andattached to the attach/detach section. By using a package which packagessuch a storage medium and such a medium to be printed, the setup thatsuits the medium to be printed can be made using the information storedin the storage medium, and the setup operation can be made easier.

Further, in this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antennacommunicates, with the storage medium, information about a locationwhere driver information for the medium to be printed can be downloadedfrom. According to such a printing apparatus, a setup based on thelatest information can be made easily.

Note that, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information for identifying the medium to be printed. Accordingto such a package, it is possible to perform a printer setup that suitsthe medium to be printed.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information about the kind of medium to be printed. According tosuch a package, the printer setup can easily be performed according tothe kind of medium to be printed.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information about the size of the medium to be printed. Accordingto such a package, the printer setup can easily be performed accordingto the size of the medium to be printed.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information about the thickness of the medium to be printed.According to such a package, the printer setup can easily be performedaccording to the thickness of the medium to be printed.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information about the color correction for printing on the mediumto be printed. According to such a package, the color correction setupfor printing on the medium to be printed can easily be performed.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information about when the medium to be printed was manufactured.According to such a package, the printer setup can easily be performedaccording to when the medium to be printed was manufactured.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage mediumstores information about the print conditions of the medium to beprinted. According to such a package, the print conditions of the mediumto be printed can easily be set up.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium cancommunicating wirelessly. According to such a package, the printer setupcan be made easy through non-contact communication.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium has aflat antenna. According to such a package, the storage medium can bemade flat.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium has acontact point for connecting to a connector. According to such apackage, it is possible to communicate with the storage medium bybringing the connector into contact with the storage medium.

Further, in this package, it is preferable that the storage medium has amark for indicating the direction of the storage medium. According tosuch a package, the storage medium can be correctly attached to theprinter.

A printing system comprises: a computer; and a printing apparatus thatis connected to the computer and that includes an antenna forcommunicating wirelessly with an element that is provided on an inkcontainer, and an attach/detach section to and from which a storagemedium can be attached and detached, wherein:

-   -   the antenna is a flat antenna;    -   one side of the antenna faces the element;    -   the medium is parallel to the antenna when the storage medium is        attached to the attach/detach section;    -   the other side of the antenna faces the storage medium attached        to the attach/detach section; and    -   the antenna is capable of communicating wirelessly with the        storage medium attached to the attach/detach section.

According to such a computer system, it is possible to provide aninexpensive and space-saving system through a printing apparatus thateffectively uses an antenna.

A printing apparatus comprises: a moving body to and from which an inkcontainer can be attached and detached; and an antenna that is providedon the moving body and that is for communicating wirelessly with anelement provided on the ink container,

-   -   wherein    -   when the ink container is attached to the moving body, the        antenna presses the element.

According to such a printing apparatus, since the distance between theelement and the antenna becomes short, communication becomes possibleeven with a weak radio wave. Note that, according to such a printingapparatus, since the antenna is provided on the moving body, it becomespossible to communicate wirelessly with the element provided on the inkcontainer, even while the ink container is being moved by the movingbody.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that, when the inkcontainer is attached to the moving body, a member that covers theantenna comes into contact with a member that covers the element.According to such a printing apparatus, since the distance between theelement and the antenna becomes short, communication becomes possibleeven with a weak radio wave.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the antenna isarranged on a lid that is provided on the moving body for covering theink container that has been attached. According to such a printingapparatus, since the element and the antenna face each other when thelid is closed, communication becomes possible even with a weak radiowave.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the moving body has aframe that forms a space for attaching the ink container; and theantenna is arranged on an inner side of the frame. According to such aprinting apparatus, when the ink container is attached to the movingbody, the antenna and the element provided on the ink container can faceeach other.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the moving body iscapable of receiving a plurality of the ink containers; and a pluralityof the antennas are provided on the moving body in such a manner thateach antenna corresponds to the element provided on each of the inkcontainers. According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible tocommunicate with a plurality of elements using a plurality of antennas,and it is possible to establish a one-to-one correspondence between theantennas and the elements.

In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the moving body iscapable of receiving a plurality of the ink containers; and the antennais capable of communicating wirelessly with a plurality of the elements.According to such a printing apparatus, since the antenna can be madelarge, the signal to be transmitted and received can be made large, andthus reliability of communication can be improved. Further, according tosuch a printing apparatus, since the number of antennas can be reduced,manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Note that, in this printing apparatus, the element and the antenna maybe arranged to face each other. According to such a printing apparatus,communication becomes possible even with a weak radio wave.

Further, in this printing apparatus, the antenna may be able tocommunicate wirelessly with the ink container when printing is beingcarried out on a medium to be printed. According to such a printingapparatus, information during printing can be communicated in real time.

Further, in this printing apparatus, the element may store informationabout ink in the ink container. According to such a printing apparatus,the attachable/detachable ink container can hold information about ink.

Further, in this printing apparatus, the element may store informationabout the amount of ink in the ink container. According to such aprinting apparatus, even if the power is suddenly turned off and the inkcontainer is exchanged, the ink container can hold accurate informationabout the ink remaining amount.

Further, the printing apparatus may comprise a moving body to and fromwhich a toner container can be attached and detached and an antennawhich communicates wirelessly with the element provided on the tonercontainer, and this printing apparatus may be characterized in that theantenna is provided on the moving body. According to such a printingapparatus, even while the toner container is moving with the movingbody, wireless communication can be carried out with the elementprovided on the toner container.

Further, it may be a program that is characterized in causing a printingapparatus, which includes a moving body to and from which an inkcontainer can be attached and detached and an antenna that is providedon the moving body and that is for communicating wirelessly with anelement provided on the ink container, to achieve a function for theantenna to communicate wirelessly with the element provided on the inkcontainer while the moving body is moving. According to such a program,even while the ink container is being moved by the moving body, theprinting apparatus can be controlled to be able to communicatewirelessly with the element provided on the ink container.

A printing system comprises: a computer; and a moving body that isconnected to the computer and to and from which an ink container can beattached and detached, and an antenna that is provided on the movingbody and that is for communicating wirelessly with an element providedon the ink container,

-   -   wherein    -   when the ink container is attached to the moving body, the        antenna presses the element.

According to such a printing system, since the distance between theelement and the antenna becomes short, communication becomes possibleeven with a weak radio wave. Note that, according to such a printingsystem, since the antenna is provided on the moving body, it becomespossible to communicate wirelessly with the element provided on the inkcontainer, even while the ink container is being moved by the movingbody.

Note that, other than such printing apparatuses, a carry amountcorrection pattern, a program, a computer system, and a printing methodwill be explained.

1. FIRST EMBODIMENT

===Overview of Printing Apparatus (Inkjet Printer)===

<About the Configuration of Inkjet Printer>

An overview of an inkjet printer serving as an example of a printingapparatus is described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3.Note that FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall configurationof an inkjet printer of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagramof the periphery of a carriage of the inkjet printer of this embodiment.FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the periphery of a carrying unit ofthe inkjet printer of this embodiment.

The inkjet printer of this embodiment has a paper carrying unit 10, anink ejection unit 20, a cleaning unit 30, a carriage unit 40, ameasuring instrument group 50, and a control unit 60.

The paper carrying unit 10 is for feeding paper, which is an example ofa medium to be printed, to a printable position and making the papermove, during printing, in a predetermined direction (in FIG. 1, thedirection perpendicular to the paper face (hereinafter, this is referredto as the paper feed direction)) by a predetermined amount of movement.The paper carrying unit 10 has a paper-supply insertion opening 11A, apaper discharge opening 11B, a paper supply motor 12, a paper supplyroller 13, a platen 14, a paper feed motor (hereinafter, referred to asPF motor) 15, a paper feed motor driver (hereinafter, referred to as PFmotor driver) 16, a paper feed roller 17A, paper discharge rollers 17B,free rollers 18A, free rollers 18B, a gear 19A, a gear 19B, and a gear19C. The paper-supply insertion opening 11 is an inserting section wherepaper, which is a medium to be printed, is inserted. The paper supplymotor 12 is a motor for carrying the paper that has been inserted intothe paper-supply insertion opening 11 into the printer, and is made upof a DC motor. The paper supply roller 13 is a roller for carrying thepaper that has been inserted into the paper-supply insertion opening 11into the printer, and is driven by the paper supply motor 12. The platen14 supports the paper S during printing. The PF motor 15 is a motor forfeeding paper, which is an example of a medium to be printed, in thepaper feed direction, and is made up of a DC motor. The PF motor driver16 is for driving the PF motor 15. The paper feed roller 17A is a rollerfor feeding the paper S that has been carried into the printer by thepaper supply roller 13 to a printable region, and is driven by the PFmotor 15. The free rollers 18A are provided in a position that is inopposition to the paper feed roller 17A, and push the paper S toward thepaper feed roller 17A by sandwiching the paper S between them and thepaper feed roller 17A. The paper discharge rollers 17B are rollers fordischarging from the printer the paper S for which printing hasfinished. The free rollers 18B are provided in a position that is inopposition to the paper discharge rollers 17B, and push the paper Stoward the paper discharge rollers 17B by sandwiching the paper Sbetween them and the paper discharge rollers 17B. The gear 19A, the gear19B, and the gear 19C are for transmitting the drive power of the PFmotor 15 to the paper discharge rollers 17B in order to drive the paperdischarge rollers 17B with the PF motor 15. The paper discharge opening11B is where the paper, which has been printed, is discharged outside ofthe printer.

The ink ejection unit 20 is for ejecting ink onto paper, which is anexample of the medium to be printed. The ink ejection unit 20 has a head21 and a head driver 22. The head 21 has a plurality of nozzles, whichare ink ejection sections, and ejects ink intermittently from each ofthe nozzles. The head driver 22 is for driving the head 21 in order tomake the ink be ejected intermittently from the head.

The cleaning unit 30 is for preventing the nozzles of the head 21 frombecoming clogged. The cleaning unit 30 has a pump device 31 and acapping device 35. The pump device is for extracting ink from thenozzles in order to prevent the nozzles of the head 21 from becomingclogged, and has a pump motor 32 and a pump motor driver 33. The pumpmotor 32 sucks out ink from the nozzles of the head 21. The pump motordriver 33 drives the pump motor 32. The capping device 35 is for sealingthe nozzles of the head 21 when printing is not being performed (duringstandby) so that the nozzles of the head 21 are kept from becomingclogged.

The carriage unit 40 is for making the head 21 scan and move in apredetermined shifting direction (in FIG. 1, the left and rightdirection of the paper face (hereinafter, this is referred to as thescanning direction)). The carriage unit 40 has a carriage 41, a carriagemotor (hereinafter, referred to as CR motor) 42, a carriage motor driver(hereinafter, referred to as CR motor driver) 43, a pulley 44, a timingbelt 45, and a guide rail 46. The carriage 41 can be moved in thescanning direction, and the head 21 is fastened to it (and therefore,the nozzles of the head 21 intermittently eject ink as they are moved inthe scanning direction). The carriage 41 has a frame (attach/detachsection) which removably holds ink cartridges 70 that contains ink. Theframe can removably hold cartridges for different colors (blackcartridge 70B, cyan cartridge 70C, magenta cartridge 70M, and yellowcartridge 70Y). It should be noted that the cartridge 70 and the framewill be described later. The CR motor 42 is a motor for moving thecarriage in the scanning direction, and is made up of a DC motor. The CRmotor driver 43 is for driving the CR motor 42. The pulley 44 isattached to the rotation shaft of the CR motor 42. The timing belt 45 isdriven by the pulley 44. The guide rail 46 guides the carriage 41 in thescanning direction.

The measuring instrument group 50 includes a linear encoder 51, a rotaryencoder 52, a paper detection sensor 53, and a gap sensor 54. The linearencoder 51 is for detecting the position of the carriage 41. The rotaryencoder 52 is for detecting the amount of rotation of the PF motor 15.Note that the configuration etc. of the encoders is discussed later. Thepaper detection sensor 53 is for detecting the position of the edge(front edge or rear edge) of the paper to be printed. The gap sensor 54is for detecting the distance from the nozzle to the paper S.

The control unit 60 is for controlling the printer. The control unit 60has a CPU 61, a timer 62, an interface section 63, an ASIC 64, a memory65, and a DC controller 66. The CPU 61 is for carrying out the overallcontrol of the printer, and sends control commands to the DC controller66, the PF motor driver 16, the CR motor driver 43, the pump motordriver 32, and the head driver 22. The timer 62 periodically generatesinterrupt signals with respect to the CPU 61. The interface section 63exchanges data with a host computer 67 provided outside the printer. TheASIC 64 controls, for example, the printing resolution or the drivewaveforms of the head based on print information sent from the hostcomputer 67 through the interface section 63. The memory 65 is forreserving, for example, an area for storing the programs for the ASIC 64and the CPU 61 and a working storage, and has storage means such as aPROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. The DC controller 66 controls the PF motordriver 16 and the CR motor driver 43 based on control commands sent fromthe CPU 61 and the output from the measuring instrument group 50.

<About the Configuration of Encoders>

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the linear encoder 51.

The linear encoder 51 is for detecting the position of the carriage 41,and has a linear scale 511 and a detection section 512.

The linear scale 511 is provided with slits at a predetermined spacing(for example, every {fraction (1/180)} inch (1 inch=2.54 cm)), and isfastened to the printer unit.

The detection section 512 is provided in opposition to the linear scale511, and is on the side of the carriage 41. The detection section 512has a light-emitting diode 512A, a collimating lens 512B, and adetection processing section 512C. The detection processing section 512Cis provided with a plurality of (for instance, four) photodiodes 512D, asignal processing circuit 512E, and two comparators 512Fa and 512Fb.

The light-emitting diode 512A emits light when a voltage Vcc is appliedto it via resistors on both sides, and this light is incident on thecollimating lens. The collimating lens 512B turns the light that isemitted from the light-emitting diode 512A into parallel light, and theparallel light is irradiated on the linear scale 511. The parallel lightthat has passed through the slits provided in the linear scale thenpasses through stationary slits (not shown) and is incident on thephotodiodes 512D. The photodiodes 512D convert the incident light intoelectric signals. The electric signals that are output from thephotodiodes are compared in the comparators 512Fa and 512Fb, and theresults of these comparisons are output as pulses. The pulse ENC-A andthe pulse ENC-B that are output from the comparators 512Fa and 512Fb arethe output of the linear encoder 51.

FIGS. 5 shows timing charts showing waveforms of two types of outputsignals of the linear encoder 51. FIG. 5A is a timing chart of thewaveform of the output signals when the CR motor 42 is rotating forward.FIG. 5B is a timing chart of the waveform of the output signals when theCR motor 42 is rotating in reverse.

As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the phases of the pulse ENC-A and thepulse ENC-B are misaligned by 90 degrees both when the CR motor 42 isrotating forward and when it is rotating in reverse. When the CR motor42 is rotating forward, that is, when the carriage 41 is moving in themain-scanning direction, then, as shown in FIG. 5A, the phase of thepulse ENC-A leads the phase of the pulse ENC-B by 90 degrees. On theother hand, when the CR motor 42 is rotating in reverse, then, as shownin FIG. 5B, the phase of the pulse ENC-A is delayed by 90 degrees withrespect to the phase of the pulse ENC-B. A single period T of the pulsesis equivalent to the time during which the carriage 41 moves by thespacing of the slits of the linear scale 511 (which is, for example,{fraction (1/180)} inch (1 inch=2.54 cm)).

The position of the carriage 41 is detected as follows. First, therising edge or the falling edge of either the pulse ENC-A or ENC-B isdetected, and the number of detected edges is counted. The position ofthe carriage 41 is calculated based on the counted number. As regardsthe counted number, when the CR motor 42 is rotated forward, then foreach detected edge a “+1” is added, and when the CR motor 42 is rotatingin reverse, then for each detected edge a “−1” is added. Because theperiod of the pulses ENC is equal to the slit spacing of the linearscale 511, by multiplying the counted number by the slit spacing, theamount of movement of the carriage 41 from where it was positioned whenthe count number was “0” can be obtained. In other words, the resolutionof the linear encoder 51 in this case becomes the slit spacing of thelinear scale 511. It is also possible to detect the position of thecarriage 41 using both the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B. The periodsof the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B are equal to the slit spacing ofthe linear scale 511, and the phases of the pulses ENC-A and ENC-B aremisaligned by 90 degrees, and therefore, if the rising edges and thefalling edges of the pulses are detected and the number of detectededges is counted, then a counted number of “1” corresponds to ¼ of theslit spacing of the linear scale 511. Therefore, if the count number ismultiplied by ¼ of the slit spacing, then the amount of movement of thecarriage 41 from where it was positioned when the count number was “0”can be obtained. That is, the resolution of the linear encoder 51 inthis case is ¼ the slit spacing of the linear scale 511.

The velocity Vc of the carriage 41 is detected as follows. First, therising edges or the falling edges of either the pulse ENC-A or ENC-B aredetected. The time interval between edges of the pulses is counted witha timer counter. The period T (T=T1, T2, . . . ) is obtained from thevalue that is counted. Then, when the slit spacing of the linear scale511 is regarded as λ, the velocity of the carriage can be sequentiallyfound as λ/T. It is also possible to detect the velocity of the carriage41 using both the pulse ENC-A and the pulse ENC-B. By detecting therising edges and the falling edges of the pulses, the time intervalbetween edges, which corresponds to ¼ of the slit spacing of the linearscale 511, is counted by a timer counter. The period T (T=T1, T2, . . .) is obtained from the value that is counted. Then, when the slitspacing of the linear scale 511 is regarded as λ, the velocity Vc of thecarriage can be sequentially found as Vc=λ/(4T).

Note that the rotary encoder 52 has substantially the same configurationas the linear encoder 51, except that a rotating disk that rotates inconjunction with rotation of the PF motor 15 is used in place of thelinear scale 511 of the linear encoder 51.

===Configuration of Cartridge and Frame (Attach/Detach Section)===

The basic configurations of each of the above-described cartridges 70for each color are the same. In view of this, the structure of acartridge 70B for black ink and the structure of a frame 80B(attach/detach section) on which the cartridge 70B is mounted areexplained with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing a structure of the cartridge 70Bfor black ink. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the frame 80B where thecartridge 70B can be attached/detached. Further, FIG. 7 is a sectionalview showing an internal structure of the cartridge 70B, an internalstructure of the frame 80B provided on the carriage, and a state inwhich the cartridge 70B is mounted on the frame 80B.

In FIG. 6A and FIG. 7, the cartridge 70B has a body 71B and a storageunit 90B. The body 71B comprises an ink containing section 72B, whichcontains black ink inside, and an ink supply opening 73B, and is formedof synthetic resin. The storage unit 90B is provided on an upper surfaceof the cartridge 70B. The reason why the storage unit 90B is provided onthe upper surface of the cartridge 70B will become clear later on.Further, the structure of the storage unit 90B will be described later.

In FIG. 6B and FIG. 7, the frame 80B comprises a retaining section 81B,a bottom section 82B, a needle 83B, a recessed section 84B, and guides85B. The retaining section 81B is a section for retaining the cartridge70B from the sides, and forms a space for mounting the cartridge 70B.The bottom section 82B is a section for supporting the cartridge 70Bfrom below. The needle 83B is to be pierced into the ink supply opening73B of the cartridge 70B, and ink can be supplied by piercing the needle83B into the ink supply opening 73B. The recessed section 84B is forreceiving the ink supply opening 73B of the cartridge 70B. The guides85B are for guiding the ink supply opening 73B of the cartridge 70B intothe recessed section, and are provided on inner walls of the recessedsection 84B.

The cartridges 70 for the other colors and the frames 80 for thesecartridges 70 have substantially the same structure as the abovedescribed black ink cartridge 70B and the frame 80B, and therefore,explanation will be omitted.

===Configuration of Storage Unit===

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a configuration of a storage unit 90 which isan element provided on a cartridge (ink container) is described alongwith a configuration for transmitting and receiving data. FIG. 8A is aplan perspective view showing a configuration of the storage unit 90.FIG. 8B is a block diagram for explaining internal structures of thestorage unit 90 and the transmit-receive section 95.

The storage unit 90 has an IC chip 91, a capacitor 92, an antenna 93,and a film 94. The configuration of the IC chip 91 will be describedlater. The capacitor 92 is a resonant capacitor formed by etching ametal film. The antenna 93 is structured by a flat coil. The film 94 isfor covering the IC chip 91, the capacitor 92, and the antenna 93, andis structured by an insulating plastic film.

The IC chip 91 has a rectifier 911, a signal analysis section RF (RadioFrequency) 913, a control section 915, and a memory cell 917. Therectifier rectifies a high-frequency magnetic field that the antenna 93has captured to make it into a direct-current power source for drivingeach circuit in the IC chip. The memory cell 917 is a nonvolatile memorythat is electrically readable/writable, such as NAND flash ROM, and itis possible to store information that has been written in as well asread out the stored information from the outside. The memory cell 917stores information about the cartridge 70.

For example, the memory cell 917 stores information that is unique tothe cartridge (for example, ID information such as a serial number ofthe cartridge 70). When the printer body reads out the informationunique to the cartridge, it becomes possible for the printer body toidentify each of the cartridges.

Further, for example, the memory cell 917 stores information about inkthat the cartridge 70 contains (for example, information about the inkamount (for example, used amount or remaining amount of ink)). When theprinter body reads out the used amount information or the remainingamount information of ink in the cartridge 70, then the printer body cangive a warning to the user when the remaining amount of ink becomessmall.

Further, other than the above information, the memory cell 917 maystore, for example, data about the color of the cartridge 70, data aboutthe manufacturing information of the cartridge 70, data about theexpiration date of the cartridge 70, or data about color correction usedwhen the printer body prints using the cartridge 70. When the printerbody reads out such information, it becomes possible for the printerbody to use this information and control the printing processes.

The transmit-receive section 95 has an antenna 96 and a transmit-receivecircuit 97. The antenna 96 is covered by an insulating plastic film (notshown), as is the antenna 96 of the storage unit 90. Thetransmit-receive circuit 97 generates high-frequency signals, induces ahigh-frequency magnetic field via the antenna 96, and communicateswirelessly with the storage unit 90. The transmit-receive circuit 97 isconnected to the control unit 60 and controlled by the control unit 60.

In this embodiment, the communication between the control unit on theprinter body side and the storage unit provided on the cartridge iscarried out wirelessly, and therefore, non-contact communication becomespossible. Therefore, as compared to a case of using contact-typeconnectors, the durability improves, and handling becomes easier.

===Contents of Package===

FIG. 9A is an external view of a package before it is opened, and FIG.9B shows an external view when the package has been opened.

The package 200 includes paper 210, a memory card 110, and packagingmeans 220. This package 200 is sold in stores separately from theprinter body.

The paper 210 is, for example, plain paper, glossy paper, photo paper,or OHP sheets. According to the characteristics of the various types ofpaper, the size, the thickness, the color correction for printing, etc.,vary.

The memory card 110 is a storage medium having, for example, a storageelement. The structure of the memory card will be described later.

The memory card 110 stores information about the paper 210 that isenclosed (hereinbelow, referred to as paper information). The paperinformation includes, for example, information for identifying the paper(for example, an identifier such as a product number), and informationabout the kind of the paper (such as plain paper, glossy paper, andphoto paper), the size of the paper, the thickness of the paper, and thecolor correction for printing. Further, the paper information alsoincludes, for example, information about when the paper wasmanufactured. The paper information stored in the memory card 110 isread out wirelessly.

The packaging means 220 is for packaging the paper 210 and the memorycard 110. The packaging means 220 may be, for example, a wrapping paperor a box. When the packaging means 220 is opened, the paper 210 and thememory card 110 can be taken out. Note that, the packaging means 220 maybe opened, for example, by tearing using notches on the packaging means,or may be opened in other ways.

In this embodiment, after opening the packaging means 220, the pieces ofpaper 210 are inserted into the paper-supply insertion opening 11A.Then, the paper 210 is printed based on predetermined print conditions.

Further, in this embodiment, when the packaging means 220 is opened, thememory card 110 can be taken out of the packaging means 220 separatelyfrom the paper 210. By taking out the information of the memory card110, the paper information can be obtained without examining theenclosed paper 210. The method for using this memory card will bedescribed later.

===Configuration of Memory Card===

Next, referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, a configuration of the memorycard 110 is described along with a configuration for transmitting andreceiving data. FIG. 10A is a plan perspective view showing aconfiguration of the memory card 110. FIG. 10B is a block diagram forexplaining the internal structures of the memory card 110 and thetransmit-receive section 95.

The memory card 110 has an IC chip 111, a capacitor 112, an antenna 113,and a film 114. The configuration of the IC chip 111 will be describedlater. The capacitor 112 is a resonant capacitor formed by etching ametal film. The antenna 113 is structured by a flat coil. The film 114is for covering the IC chip 111, the capacitor 112, and the antenna 113,and is structured by an insulating plastic film.

The IC chip 111 has a rectifier 1111, a signal analysis section RF(Radio Frequency) 1113, a control section 1115, and a memory cell 1117.The rectifier rectifies a high-frequency magnetic field that the antenna113 has captured to make it into a direct-current power source fordriving each circuit in the IC chip. The memory cell 1117 is anonvolatile memory that is electrically readable/writable, such as aNAND flash ROM, and it is possible to store information that has beenwritten in as well as read out the stored information from the outside.The memory cell 1117 stores information about the paper.

The transmit-receive section 95 has an antenna 96 and a transmit-receivecircuit 97. The antenna 96 functions as communication means for carryingout communication with the memory card. The antenna 96 is covered by aninsulating plastic film (not shown), as is the antenna 113 of the memorycard. The transmit-receive circuit 97 generates high-frequency signals,induces a high-frequency magnetic field via the antenna 96, andcommunicates wirelessly with the memory card 110. The transmit-receivecircuit 97 is connected to the control unit 60 and controlled by thecontrol unit 60.

In this embodiment, communication between the antenna 96 provided on theprinter body side and the memory card 110 is carried out wirelessly, andtherefore, non-contact communication becomes possible. Therefore, ascompared to a case of using contact-type connectors, the durabilityimproves, and handling becomes easier.

===Card Slot===

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an external appearance of the printerof this embodiment. In this figure, the structural components which havealready been explained accompany the same reference characters, andtherefore, explanation is omitted.

Aside from the above-described structural components, the printer 1 hasa housing 3, a top lid 5, an operating section 7, and a slot 100. Thehousing is a box for accommodating the above described structuralcomponents (for example, the paper carrying unit 10, the ink ejectionunit 20, the cleaning unit 30, the carriage unit 40, the measuringinstrument group 50, and the control unit 60). The top lid 5 is a lidwhich is rotatable, in an opening and closing direction, about arotation shaft (not shown) provided on the housing 3. When the top lid 5is opened, for example, the paper carrying unit 10 and the carriage unit40 accommodated inside the housing 3 are visible. The top lid 5 isopened and closed, for example, when the cartridge 70 is exchanged. Theoperating section 7 is provided on the housing 3, and comprises buttons7A and lamps 7B. The user can set the print conditions (such as printmode) of the printer 1 by operating the buttons 7A. Further, with theflashing of the lamp 7B, the operation of the printer 1 may beconfirmed.

The slot 100 configures an attach/detach section to and from which amemory card 110, which is an external storage medium, can be attachedand detached. The slot 100 has a card insertion opening with a hollowsection, and is provided on the top lid 5. When the memory card 110 isinserted into the slot 100, the memory card 110 is positioned by theinner walls of the slot 100. Note that, when the memory 110 is insertedin the slot 100, the lamp 7B may flash, or the color of the lamp 7B maychange. Further, when the memory 110 inserted in the slot 100 is notcorrectly inserted, this can be notified to the user through a change inthe lamp 7B.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationshipbetween the slot 100 and the antenna 96 of the printer of the presentembodiment. In the figure, the structural components which have alreadybeen explained accompany the same reference characters, and therefore,explanation is omitted.

The antenna 96 is a flat antenna, and one side of the antenna faces thestorage unit 90, and the other side faces the memory card 110 insertedin the slot 100. According to this embodiment, by using thecharacteristic in which the flat antenna generates a magnetic field onboth sides thereof, wireless communication is possible with both thememory card in the slot and the storage unit of the carriage. That is,according to this embodiment, the same antenna can be used as theantenna for carrying out wireless communication with the memory cardinserted in the slot and as the antenna for carrying out wirelesscommunication with the storage unit provided on the cartridge. In thisway, it is possible to provide an inexpensive and space-saving printer.

Further, the antenna 96 is provided on an inner side of the top lid 5.That is, when the top lid 5 is in a closed state, the antenna 96 canface the storage unit 90 provided on the upper surface of the cartridge70 in the printer. Since the antenna 96 of this embodiment is providedon the top lid 5, the cartridge 70 can be exchanged easily because thestorage unit 90 of the cartridge and the antenna 96 are not in a statein which they face each other when the cartridge is being exchanged.

As explained with respect to FIG. 11, the slot 100 is provided on thetop lid 5. The position where the antenna 96 is provided on the top lid5 is on the opposite side from where the slot 100 is provided. Since theantenna 96 is provided on the backside of the slot 100, the memory card110 is installed close to the antenna 96, thereby improving reliabilityof wireless communication with the memory card.

When the memory card 110 is inserted into the slot 100, the memory card110 is placed parallel with the antenna 96 (not shown in FIG. 11). Sincethe storage element with a similar structure as the storage unit 90 isprovided on the memory card 110, the antenna of the memory card 110,which is inserted in the slot 100, and the antenna 96 become parallel,and therefore, wireless communication is brought into a satisfactorystate.

Note that, if the antenna 96 is provided above the above-mentionedcleaning unit 30, the cleaning unit 30 will be positioned below thecarriage 41 in FIG. 14, so that during the operation of preventingclogging in the nozzles of the head, the antenna 96 will be able tocommunicate with the storage unit 90.

Further, if the antenna 96 is provided above the printing region, themedium to be printed will be placed below the carriage 41 in FIG. 14, sothat during the printing operation, the antenna 96 will be able tocommunicate with the storage unit 90. Thus, in such a case, the antenna96 will be able to write, into the storage unit 90, information aboutthe amount of ink (used amount or remaining amount) in real time duringthe printing operation.

As regards the antenna 96, the signals thereof pass through the top lid5, and the antenna wirelessly communicates with the storage element ofthe memory card 110 inserted in the slot 100. Therefore, the material ofthe top lid 5 is preferably a nonmagnetic material, and is preferablyplastic. By using such materials for the top lid 5, reliability ofcommunication with the memory card 110 can be improved.

Similarly, the material of the slot 100 is preferably a nonmagneticmaterial, and is preferably plastic. By using such materials for theslot 100, reliability of communication with the memory card 110 can beimproved.

===Communicating Operation===

Using FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the communicating operation is explained.Note that, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in whichthe antenna 96 cannot communicate with the storage unit 90. Further,FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the antenna96 can communicate with the storage unit 90. Note that, in thesefigures, the structural components which have already been explainedaccompany the same reference characters, and therefore, explanation isomitted.

In FIG. 13, the carriage 41 is positioned so that the storage unit 90 isin a position distant from the antenna 96. In this state, even if theantenna 96 generates a magnetic field to communicate wirelessly, theantenna 96 can only communicate with the memory card 110, and cannotcommunicate with the storage unit 90 of the cartridge 70.

On the other hand, in FIG. 14, the carriage 41 is positioned so that thestorage unit 90 faces the lower side of the antenna 96. That is, in thisstate, the antenna 96 is positioned between the storage unit 90 and theslot 100 (that is, the memory card 110). In this state, when the antenna96 generates a magnetic field to communicate wirelessly, it is possibleto communicate both with the storage unit 90 and the memory card 110 atthe same time.

In the state of FIG. 14, when the antenna 96 tries to communicate withthe storage unit 90, a magnetic field is generated also on the memorycard 110 side, and therefore, signal collision becomes a problem.Therefore, when communication is to be carried out in this state, anidentifier (for example, ID information) is included in the signal to becommunicated to thereby avoid signal collision. Note that, by includingidentifiers in the signals to be communicated, even if the antenna 96 isin a state in which it is able to communicate with a plurality ofstorage units 90, the antenna can communicate with an arbitrary storageunit 90.

The antenna of this embodiment can face a plurality of storage units 90.Therefore, the antenna 96 can be large, and the signals to betransmitted and received can be made large, thereby improvingcommunication reliability. Further, since a single antenna can face aplurality of storage units 90, the number of antennas can be reduced,and therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

===Method for Using Memory Card===

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method for using amemory card 110.

First, the user inserts a memory card 110, which has been taken out fromthe packaging means of the package, into the slot 100 (S101). Note that,this memory card 110 is packaged together with the paper that the userhas purchased, and is taken out from the packaging means 220 of thepackage 200. The memory card 110 stores information about the paperwhich is packaged together (hereinbelow, referred to as paperinformation). The paper information includes, for example, informationfor identifying the paper (for example, an identifier such as a productnumber) and information about the kind of the paper (such as plainpaper, glossy paper, and photo paper), the size of the paper, thethickness of the paper, or the color correction for printing, or aboutwhen the paper was manufactured. Note that, the paper taken out from thepackaging means of the package is inserted into the insertion opening11A of the printer.

Next, the antenna 96 reads out paper information stored in the memorycard 110 (S102). The timing that the antenna 96 reads out the paperinformation may be when the printer 1 detects that the memory card 110has been inserted into the slot 100, or the antenna may periodicallycarry out communication with the memory card 110.

When the antenna 96 reads out the paper information, the paperinformation is sent to the control unit 60 (S103). Then, the paperinformation is stored in the memory 65 in the control unit 60.

Next, the control unit 60 determines the print conditions based on thepaper information (S104). For example, based the on information aboutthe kind of the paper (such as plain paper, glossy paper, and photopaper), conditions such as the ink ejection amount for each color isdetermined. Further, based on the information about the size of thepaper, control conditions of the CR motor 42 relating to the movement ofthe carriage 41, the control conditions of the PF motor 15, and the likeare determined. Further, based on the information about the thickness ofthe paper, the timing for ejecting ink, the control conditions of the PFmotor 15, and the like are determined. Further, based on the informationabout color correction for printing, conditions such as ink ejectionamount for each color and the like are determined. Further, based onwhen the paper was manufactured, conditions such as ink ejection amountfor each color and the like are determined, in consideration of thedeterioration of paper.

Next, the control unit 60 sets up the driver based on the printconditions that have been determined (S105). For example, the headdriver 22 is set based on the conditions of ink ejection amount for eachcolor. Further, the CR motor driver 43 is set based on the controlconditions of the CR motor 42. Further, the PF motor driver 16 is setbased on the control condition of the PF motor 15. Further, the headdriver 22 is set based on the timing for ejecting ink. Note that, thesetting of the drivers does not have to be carried out based on theprint conditions that have been determined, but may be carried out basedon the paper information (namely, S104 may be omitted).

The control unit 60 carries out printing based on the drivers that havebeen set as above (S106). Note that, the paper which is printed is thepaper that was packaged together with the memory card 110, which hasbeen inserted into the slot 100. Since printing is carried out with aprinter that has been appropriately set for this paper, high-precisionprinting can be performed.

In this embodiment, the user only needs to insert the memory card 110,which is packaged together with the paper to be printed, into the slot100 to set the drivers of the printer. Thus, according to thisembodiment, the user does not have to manually carry out complicatedsettings of the drivers, and it is possible to make the operation of theprinter easy.

Further, in this embodiment, the settings of the printer itself are madejust by inserting the memory card into the slot, and therefore, thesettings of the printer drivers in the computer unit, to which theprinter is connected, do not have to be changed.

===Configuration of Printing System Etc.===

Next, an embodiment of a printing system (computer system), a computerprogram, and a storage medium storing a computer program, which is anexample of an embodiment according to the present invention, isexplained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the external structure of thecomputer system. A computer system 1000 is provided with a main computerunit 1102, a display device 1104, a printer 1106, an input device 1108,and a reading device 1110. In this embodiment, the main computer unit1102 is accommodated within a mini-tower type housing; however, this isnot a limitation. A CRT (cathode ray tube), a plasma display, or aliquid crystal display device, for example, is generally used as thedisplay device 1104, but this is not a limitation. The printer 1106 isthe printer described above. In this embodiment, a keyboard 1108A and amouse 1108B are used as the input device 1108; however, it is notlimited to these. In this embodiment, a flexible disk drive device 1110Aand a CD-ROM drive device 110B are used as the reading device 1110, butit is not limited to these, and it may also be a MO (magnet optical)disk drive device or a DVD (digital versatile disk), for example.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computersystem shown in FIG. 16. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM withinthe housing accommodating the main computer unit 1102 and, also, anexternal memory such as a hard disk drive unit 1204 are provided.

Note that, in the above description, an example was described in whichthe computer system is constituted by connecting the printer 1106 to themain computer unit 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1108,and the reading device 1110; however, this is not a limitation. Forexample, the computer system can be made of the main computer unit 1102and the printer 1106, or the computer system does not have to beprovided with any one of the display device 1104, the input device 1108,and the reading device 1110. It is also possible for the printer 1106 tohave some of the functions or mechanisms of the main computer unit 1102,the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device1110. As an example, the printer 1106 may be so configured to include animage processing section for carrying out image processing, a displaysection for carrying out various types of displays, and a recordingmedia attachment/detachment section to and from which recording mediastoring image data captured by a digital camera or the like are attachedand detached.

In the embodiment described above, it is also possible for the computerprogram for controlling the printer to be incorporated in the memory 65of the control unit 60. The operations of the printer in the embodimentdescribed above may then be achieved by the control unit 60 executingthis computer program.

As a whole system, the computer system that is thus achieved becomessuperior to conventional systems.

===Modified Example of First Embodiment===

In the foregoing, a printer, for example, according to the presentinvention was described based on the first embodiment. However, theforegoing embodiment is for the purpose of elucidating the presentinvention and is not to be interpreted as limiting the presentinvention. The invention can of course be altered and improved withoutdeparting from the gist thereof and includes equivalents thereof. Inparticular, the printing apparatus according to the invention includesthe embodiments mentioned below as well.

<About the Package>

According to the above-described embodiment, there were only paper and amemory card inside the packaging means. However, the contents of thepackaging means is not limited to the above. For example, otherstructural components may be included in the packaging means.

<About the Structure of Slot 1>

According to the above-described embodiment, the slot into which thememory card can be inserted is provided on the top lid. However, thestructure for attaching or detaching the memory card is not limited tothe slot.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an external appearance of a printer ofanother embodiment. In this diagram, the same reference characters areassigned to the structural components that are the same as those in theabove-described embodiment, and therefore, explanation is omitted. Theprinter of this embodiment has a restriction means 100′ as anattach/detach section for the memory card 110 in place of the slot ofthe above-described embodiment.

The restriction means 100′ has a projection. This projection restrictsthe position of the edges of the memory card 110, thereby restrictingthe installing position of the memory card 110. In this way, thestabilization and the repeatability of the position of the memory card110 are improved so that the position of the memory card 110 does notchange each time the memory card 110 is attached/detached. As a result,when the memory card is installed on the printer 1, the memory card 110can be positioned on the back side of the antenna (not shown), and theantenna can communicate wirelessly with the memory card 110.

That is, the attach/detach section for the memory card may be othermeans as long as it has the function, as with the slot 100 or therestriction means 100′, of positioning the memory card in such aposition that the antenna can communicate wirelessly with the memorycard 110. Further, it is preferable that the attach/detach section forthe memory card has a function of positioning the memory card 110 on theback side of the antenna 96.

<About the Structure of Slot 2>

According to the above-described embodiment, the slot into which thememory card can be inserted is a hollow section that only has a cardinsertion opening. However, the structure of the slot is not limitedthereto.

For example, the slot may also be used as a slot for inserting arecording media that stores image data captured by a digital camera orthe like. That is, it is only necessary that the antenna 96 is able tocommunicate wirelessly with the memory card 110 when the memory card 110is inserted in the slot (the above-mentioned recording mediaattachment/detachment section) which is used for inserting otherrecording media.

In this case, the antenna 96 would be provided on the back side of theslot (recording media attachment/detachment section) used for insertingother recording media.

<About the Setup of Driver 1>

According to the above-described embodiment, the printer was set upbased on the paper information read from the memory card. However, thisis not a limitation.

For example, the paper information that has been read from the memorycard by the antenna may be sent to the computer unit that is connectedto the printer, and the printer driver of the computer unit may be setup.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for when the printer driver of the computer unitis set up.

First, the user inserts the memory card 110 into the slot 100 (S201).Note that, this memory card 110 is the one that was taken out from thepackaging means 220 of the package 200 bought by the user. The memorycard 110 stores paper information about the paper that is enclosed withthe card. The paper information includes, for example, information foridentifying the paper (for example, an identifier such as a productnumber), and information about the kind of paper (such as plain paper,glossy paper, and photo paper), the size of the paper, the thickness ofthe paper, the color correction for printing, and about when the paperwas manufactured.

Next, the antenna 96 reads out the paper information stored in thememory card 110 (S202). The timing that the antenna 96 reads out thepaper information may be when the printer 1 detects that the memory card110 has been inserted into the slot 100, or the antenna may periodicallycarry out communication with the memory card 110.

When the antenna 96 reads out the paper information, the paperinformation is sent to the main computer unit 1102 (S203). Then, thepaper information is stored in a memory 2202 of the main computer unit1102. Note that, the main computer unit 1102 may display the receivedpaper information on the display device 1104.

Next, the main computer unit 1102 sets up the printer driver based onthe paper information (S204). Note that, if the main computer unit 1102stores information for a plurality of printer drivers, then the computerunit may select an appropriate printer driver from the plurality ofprinter drivers based on the paper information. Further, the setupresults of the printer driver may be displayed on the display device1104.

Next, the computer unit generates print information from the imageinformation based on the printer driver that has been set up (S205).Then, the generated print information is sent to the printer.

Then, the control unit 60 carries out printing based on the printinformation (S206). Note that, the paper which is printed is the paperthat was packaged together with the memory card 110, which has beeninserted into the slot 100. Since printing is carried out with a printerthat has been appropriately set for this paper, high-precision printingcan be performed.

In this embodiment, the user only needs to insert the memory card 110,which is packaged together with the paper to be printed, into the slot100 to set up the printer driver. Thus, also in this embodiment, theuser does not have to manually carry out complicated settings of thedriver, and it is possible to make the operation of the printer easy.

<About the Memory Card 1>

According to the above-described embodiment, the memory card is packagedtogether with the paper and stores information about the paper. However,the method for using the memory card is not limited thereto.

For example, information about the operation of the printer 1 (forexample, control history) may be written into the memory card 110. Then,if the printer 1 breaks down, the user may bring the memory card 110,which stores the information about the operation of the printer, to aservice center, thereby prompt repair can be expected.

Further, other information may be written into the memory card, or readout from the memory card, by the antenna.

<About the Memory Card 2>

According to the above-described embodiment, communication with thememory card is carries out wirelessly. However, communication with thememory card is not limited thereto.

For example, communication with the memory card may be through contact.In this case, the printer has a connector as a communication means forconnecting to the memory card, and the memory card has a contact pointwhich is to be connected with the connector.

Further, it is preferable that the memory card has a mark for indicatingthe direction of the memory card. Note that, this mark is for enablingidentification, through sight or through touch, of the direction of thememory card, such as a letter, a symbol, or a cut-out section. In thisway, the memory card can be inserted in the correct direction, andtherefore, the memory card is connected correctly to the connector.

<About the Memory Card 3>

According to the above-described embodiment, the memory card storespaper information such as the kind of paper or the size of the paper.However, the paper information which the memory card stores is notlimited thereto.

For example, the paper information may be information about theprint-condition of the paper. If the memory card stores informationabout the print condition in this way, then based on this information,the printer itself or the printer driver of the computer unit can bedirectly set up. Note that, in this case, it is preferable that whichtype of printer is to perform printing on the paper inside the packageis specified, because the print condition supports a specific type ofprinter.

<About the Memory Card 4>

Further, the paper information that the memory card stores can be otherinformation. For example, the paper information may be information aboutwhere the latest driver information for the paper can be downloaded.

In this case, after the computer unit receives such paper information(information about where the driver information can be downloaded) fromthe printer, the latest driver information is downloaded from apredetermined location on the Internet, and the printer driver is set upbased on the downloaded driver information. In this way, the user caneasily carry out settings for printing based on the latest information.

<About the Size of Antenna>

According to the above-described embodiment, one antenna was largeenough to face a plurality of cartridges. However, the size of theantenna is not limited thereto.

For example, the antenna can be of a size that faces one cartridge.Then, when the antenna communicates with storage units of othercartridges, the carriage can be moved in the scanning direction.

According to this embodiment, since the antenna can be made smaller, themanufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, since the antenna can bemade smaller, it is possible to achieve space saving of the printer.

<About the Cartridge>

According to the above-described embodiment, an ink cartridge isprovided for each color. However, the structure of the cartridges is notlimited thereto. For example, the cartridges for each of the colors(70C, 70M, 70Y) may be combined together into one color cartridge.

<About the Arrangement of Storage Unit>

According to the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 90 isprovided on a top surface of the cartridge 70. However, the arrangementof the storage unit 90 is not limited thereto. For example, the storageunit 90 may be provided on a side surface of the cartridge 70. In thiscase, the antenna may be provided in a position where it can face theside surface of the cartridge 70, and a slot may be provided on the backside of the antenna.

Even with this arrangement, effects similar to those of theabove-described embodiment can be achieved.

<About the Nozzles>

In the embodiment described above, the nozzles are provided in the head21, and the head 21 is provided on the carriage 41, and thus the nozzlesare provided integrally with the carriage 41. However, the configurationof the nozzles and the head 21 is not limited thereto. For example, thenozzles or the head may be provided integrally with the cartridge and beattachable and detachable to and from the carriage 41.

In other words, the above explanation was made using a cartridge as anexample of an “ink container”, but an “link container” need only be acontainer that is capable of containing ink, and whether it is providedwith nozzles or not should not influence the interpretation of thisterm.

2. SECOND EMBODIMENT

Next, the second embodiment will be explained. “Overview of PrintingApparatus”, “Configuration of Storage Unit”, “Contents of Package”,“configuration of Memory Card”, “Card Slot”, “Method for Using MemoryCard”, and “Configuration of Printing System Etc.”, for example, of thepresent embodiment are substantially the same as those of theabove-described embodiment, and therefore, explanation will be omitted.

===Configuration of Cartridge and Attach/Detach Section (Frame)===

The basic structure of the above-described cartridges 70 for each of thecolors are the same. Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the structure ofthe black ink cartridge 70B and the structure of the attach/detachsection 80B on which the cartridge 70B is mounted are explained.

FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram showing a structure of the black inkcartridge 70B. FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram of an attach/detachsection 80B to and from which the cartridge 70B can be attached anddetached. Further, FIG. 21 is a sectional diagram showing an internalstructure of the cartridge 70B, an internal structure of theattach/detach section 80B provided on the carriage, and a state in whichthe cartridge 70B is mounted on the attach/detach section 80B.

In FIG. 20A and FIG. 21, the cartridge 70B has a body 71B and a storageunit 90B. The body 71B comprises an ink containing section 72B, whichcontains black ink inside, and an ink supply opening 73B, and is formedof synthetic resin. The storage unit 90B is provided on an upper surfaceof the cartridge 70B. The reason why the storage unit 90B is provided onthe upper surface of the cartridge 70B will become clear later on.Further, the structure of the storage unit 90B will be described later.

In FIG. 20B and FIG. 21, the attach/detach section 80B has a retainingsection 81B, a bottom section 82B, a needle 83B, a recessed section 84B,guides 85B, and a fixing tool 86. The retaining section 81B is a sectionfor retaining the cartridge 70B from the sides, and forms a space formounting the cartridge 70B. The bottom section 82B is a section forsupporting the cartridge 70B from below. The needle 83B is to be piercedinto the ink supply opening 73B of the cartridge 70B, and ink can besupplied by piercing the needle 83B into the ink supply opening 73B. Therecessed section 84B is for receiving the ink supply opening 73B of thecartridge 70B. The guides 85B are for guiding the ink supply opening 73Bof the cartridge 70B into the recessed section, and are provided oninner walls of the recessed section 84B.

In FIG. 21, the carriage 41 has the attach/detach section 80B, as wellas a lid 87, a rotation shaft 88, a clamping tool 89, and an antenna96B. The lid 87 is provided on the carriage 41 via the rotation shaft88, and can move rotatingly about the rotation shaft. When the lid 87 istilted in the direction covering the cartridge 70B, the clamping tool 89couples with the fixing tool 86, and the cartridge 70B is fixed to theattach/detach section 80B. Note that, the retaining section 81B, thebottom section 82B, and the lid 87 structure a frame which forms a spacefor mounting the cartridge 70B. Further, when the lid 87 is tilted inthe direction covering the cartridge 70B, the cartridge 70B is presseddownward by the lid 87, and the needle 83B pierces into the ink supplyopening 73B. Note that, the antenna 96B is arranged on the inner side ofthe lid 87 (namely, the inner side of the frame of the carriage 41), andis arranged so as to face the storage unit 90B. The antenna 96B will bedescribed later on.

The cartridges 70 for the other colors and the attach/detach sections 80for these cartridges 70 have substantially the same structure as theabove described black ink cartridge 70B and the attach/detach section80B, and therefore, explanation will be omitted. Note that the fixingtool 86, the lid 87, the rotation shaft 88, and the clamping tool 89 maybe provided on each of the cartridges for each color, or may be sharedamong the cartridges for each color.

In this embodiment, since the antenna 96 is provided on the movingcarriage 41, information can be written in or read out from the storageunit 90, even when the carriage 41 is moving. As a result, for example,while the carriage is being moved and the medium to be printed (such aspaper) is being printed, the control unit 60 can write, into the storageunit 90, information about the used amount or the remaining amount ofink, in real time. Thus, even if the power of the printer unit issuddenly turned off and the cartridge 70 is exchanged, correctinformation about the cartridge 70 is written in the storage unit 90 ofthe cartridge 70.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the antenna 93 of thestorage unit 90 is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70,and the antenna 96 of the transmit-receive section 95 is provided on thelid 87 of the carriage 41. When the lid 87 is closed so as to cover thecartridge 70 in order to fix the cartridge 70 on the carriage, the film94 of the antenna 93 and a film (not shown) of the antenna 96 contacteach other, and the antenna 96 presses, via the film, the storage unit90. As a result, the distance between the antenna 93 and the antenna 96becomes small, thus establishing a state in which communication ispossible even with a weak radio wave. In other words, with such astructure, a power-conserving printer can be provided.

===Arrangement of Antenna===

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relation ship betweenthe antenna 96 and the storage unit 90. FIG. 23 is an explanatorydiagram of a transmit-receive section when the antenna is arranged as inFIG. 22. In these figures, the same reference characters are assigned tothe same structural components, and therefore, explanation is omitted.

In this embodiment, a plurality of antennas 96 are provided on the innerside of the lid of the carriage 41. Each of these antennas 96B, 96C,96M, and 96Y is provided so as to respectively face the storage units90B, 90C, 90M, and 90Y provided on each of the cartridges for eachcolor.

In this embodiment, since a plurality of antennas 96 are provided on theinner side of the lid 87 of the carriage 41, the size of each antennabecomes small, and therefore, the signals to be transmitted and receivedbecome weak. However, as described above, since the distance between theantenna 93 and the antenna 96 is small, the unique effect thatcommunication becomes possible can be achieved.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 23, the transmit-receive circuit 97 may beshared among the antennas 96. However, the transmit-receive circuit 97may be provided separately for each antenna 96.

===Communicating Operation===

Using FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the communicating operation is explained.Note that, FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in whichthe antennas 96B to 96Y cannot communicate with the memory card 110.Further, FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which theantennas 96 can communicate with the memory card 110. Note that, inthese figures, the structural components which have already beenexplained accompany the same reference characters, and therefore,explanation is omitted. Note that, by inserting the memory card 110 intothe slot 100, it becomes parallel with the antennas 96B to 96Y. Further,the antennas 96B to 96Y are provided on the lid of the carriage 41, andare therefore movable in the scanning direction together with thecarriage 41.

In FIG. 24, the carriage 41 is positioned so that the antennas 96B to96Y are in a position distant from the memory card 110. In this state,even if the antennas 96B to 96Y generate a magnetic field to communicatewirelessly, the antennas 96B to 96Y can only communicate with thestorage units 90B to 90Y, and cannot communicate with the memory card110.

On the other hand, in FIG. 25, the carriage 41 is positioned so that thememory card faces the carriage above the antennas 96B to 96Y. That is,in this state, the antennas 96 are positioned between the storage units90 and the slot 100 (that is, the memory card 110). In this state, whenthe antennas 96 generate a magnetic field to communicate wirelessly, itis possible to communicate both with the storage units 90 and the memorycard 110 at the same time.

In the state of FIG. 25, when the antennas 96 try to communicate withthe storage units 90, a magnetic field is generated also on the memorycard 110 side, and therefore, signal collision becomes a problem.Therefore, when communication is to be carried out in this state, anidentifier (for example, ID information) is included in the signal to becommunicated to thereby avoid signal collision.

By the way, with the antenna of this embodiment, it is possible for asingle antenna to face both the storage unit 90 and the memory card 110,and therefore, the number of antennas can be reduced, and manufacturingcosts can be reduced.

===Modified Example of Second Embodiment===

In the foregoing, a printer, for example, according to the presentinvention was described based on the second embodiment. However, theforegoing embodiment is for the purpose of elucidating the presentinvention and is not to be interpreted as limiting the presentinvention. The invention can of course be altered and improved withoutdeparting from the gist thereof and includes equivalents thereof. Inparticular, the printing apparatus according to the invention includesthe embodiments mentioned below as well.

<About the Arrangement of Antennas>

According to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of antennas areprovided facing the cartridges for each color. However, the arrangementof the antennas is not limited thereto.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship betweenthe antenna 96 and the storage units 90 according to another embodiment.Further, FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a transmit-receive sectionfor when the antenna is arranged as in FIG. 26. In these figures, thesame reference characters are assigned to the same structuralcomponents, and therefore, explanation is omitted. Note that, theantenna 96 of this embodiment differs from the antenna of the foregoingembodiment in terms that it is capable of communicating wirelessly witha plurality of storage units.

According to this embodiment, since the antenna 96 can be made large,the signals to be transmitted and received can be made large, and thusthe reliability of communication can be improved. Further, since thenumber of antennas can be decreased, the manufacturing costs can bereduced.

Note that, when the antenna 96 is shared among the plurality of storageunits 90 as in this embodiment, signal collision becomes a problem.Therefore, if the structure of this embodiment is employed, then IDinformation is included in the signals to be communicated in order forthe antenna 96 to be able to communicate with an arbitrary storage unit90, thus allowing prevention of signal collision.

<About the Cartridges>

According to the above-described embodiment, an ink cartridge isprovided for each color. However, the configuration of the cartridge isnot limited thereto.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the positional relationship betweenthe antenna 96 and the storage units 90 of another embodiment. In thisfigure, the same reference characters are assigned to the samestructural components, and therefore, explanation is omitted. Note that,in this embodiment, a plurality of cartridges (70C, 70M, and 70Y), whichwere provided for each color in the foregoing embodiment, are combinedinto a single color cartridge 70P.

The color cartridge 70P has a plurality of ink containing sectionsinside, and contains ink of a plurality of colors. The upper surface ofthe color cartridge 70P is provided with one storage unit 90P. A memorycell that the storage unit 90P has stores information about ink for eachcolor.

According to this embodiment, since the antenna 93 of the storage unit90P can be made large, the signals that are transmitted and received canbe made large, thus reliability of communication can be improved.

<About the Arrangement of Storage Unit>

According to the above-described embodiment, the storage unit 90 isprovided on the upper surface of the cartridge 70. However, thearrangement of the storage unit 90 is not limited thereto.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of another embodiment regarding thearrangement of the storage unit 90 and the arrangement of the antenna96. In this figure, the same reference characters are assigned to thesame structural components, and therefore, explanation is omitted. Notethat, this embodiment is different from the foregoing embodiment interms that the storage unit 90 is provided on a side surface of thecartridge.

In this figure, 90′ is a storage unit provided on a side surface ofblack ink cartridge 70B. Further, 96′ is an antenna provided on theinner wall of the attach/detach section of the carriage 41.

Even with this embodiment, the storage unit 90′ and the antenna 96 canbe provided facing each other. Further, the storage unit 90′ and theantenna 96′ are drawn separated from each other in this figure; however,a film of the storage unit 90′ and a film of the antenna 96′ may be in astate in which they are in contact with each other, as with theforegoing embodiment.

Even with this arrangement, an effect similar to the foregoingembodiment can be obtained.

<About the Nozzles>

According to the above-described embodiment, the nozzles are provided inthe head 21 and the head 21 is provided on the carriage 41, and thus thenozzles were provided integrally with the carriage 41. However, theconfiguration of the nozzles and the head 21 is not limited to this. Forexample, the nozzles or the head may be provided integrally with thecartridge and be attachable and detachable to and from the carriage 41.

<About the Ink>

According to the above-described embodiment, the cartridge is the inkcontainer which contains ink. However, the cartridge is not limitedthereto. For example, the cartridge may be a toner container containingtoner. Further, in this case, the cartridge, which is the tonercontainer, may comprise a developer roller.

Note that in this case, since it is normal for the printing apparatus tocomprise a rotary to and from which a plurality of cartridges can beattached and detached, the antenna would be provided on this rotary. Theantenna provided on the rotary will carry out wireless communicationwith the storage unit provided on the cartridge.

Industrial Applicability

(1) According to the first invention, it becomes possible to effectivelyutilizes the antenna of a printing apparatus having an antenna that iscapable of communicating wirelessly with an element (for example, astorage unit having a memory) provided on an ink container (for example,a cartridge).

(2) According to the second invention, it becomes possible to provide apower-conserving printer by establishing a state in which communicationis possible even with a weak radio wave.

1. A printing apparatus comprising: an antenna for communicatingwirelessly with an element that is provided on an ink container; and anattach/detach section to and from which a storage medium can be attachedand detached, wherein: said antenna is a flat antenna; said antenna iscapable of communicating wirelessly with said storage medium attached tosaid attach/detach section; said storage medium is parallel to saidantenna when said storage medium is attached to said attach/detachsection; one side of said antenna faces said element; and the other sideof said antenna faces said storage medium attached to said attach/detachsection.
 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidantenna is provided on a lid which is opened and closed when said inkcontainer is exchanged.
 3. A printing apparatus according to claim 2,wherein said attach/detach section is provided on said lid.
 4. Aprinting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: said printingapparatus further comprises a moving body to and from which said inkcontainer can be attached and detached; and said antenna is provided ona lid of said moving body.
 5. A printing apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the material of said lid is a nonmagnetic material.
 6. Aprinting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said attach/detachsection is a nonmagnetic material.
 7. A printing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said attach/detach section restricts the position ofsaid storage medium.
 8. A printing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said attach/detach section is a slot for inserting said storagemedium.
 9. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: saidprinting apparatus further comprises a unit for preventing clogging ofnozzles that eject ink; and said antenna is provided above said unit.10. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said antenna isprovided above a region where printing is carried out on a medium to beprinted.
 11. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidantenna communicates information about an amount of ink with saidelement.
 12. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidantenna communicates information about a medium to be printed with saidstorage medium.
 13. A printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein:said storage medium is packaged together with said medium to be printed;and when said printing apparatus prints on said medium to be printed,said storage medium is taken out independently of said medium to beprinted and attached to said attach/detach section.
 14. A printingapparatus according to claim 12, wherein said antenna communicates, withsaid storage medium, information about a location where driverinformation for said medium to be printed can be downloaded from.
 15. Aprinting system comprising: a computer; and a printing apparatus that isconnected to said computer and that includes: an antenna forcommunicating wirelessly with an element that is provided on an inkcontainer; and an attach/detach section to and from which a storagemedium can be attached and detached, wherein: said antenna is a flatantenna; said antenna is capable of communicating wirelessly with saidstorage medium attached to said attach/detach section; said medium isparallel to said antenna when said storage medium is attached to saidattach/detach section; one side of said antenna faces said element; andthe other side of said antenna faces said storage medium attached tosaid attach/detach section.
 16. A printing apparatus comprising: amoving body to and from which an ink container can be attached anddetached; and an antenna that is provided on said moving body and thatis for reading and writing information wirelessly with respect to anelement provided on said ink container, wherein when said ink containeris attached to said moving body, said antenna presses said element. 17.A printing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein when said inkcontainer is attached to said moving body, a member that covers saidantenna comes into contact with a member that covers said element.
 18. Aprinting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said antenna isarranged on a lid that is provided on said moving body for covering saidink container that has been attached.
 19. A printing apparatus accordingto claim 16, wherein: said moving body has a frame that forms a spacefor attaching said ink container; and said antenna is arranged on aninner side of said frame.
 20. A printing apparatus according to claim16, wherein: said moving body is capable of receiving a plurality of theink containers; and a plurality of the antennas are provided on saidmoving body in such a manner that each antenna corresponds to theelement provided on each of said ink containers.
 21. A printingapparatus according to claim 16, wherein: said moving body is capable ofreceiving a plurality of the ink containers; and said antenna is capableof reading and writing information with respect to a plurality of theelements.
 22. A printing system comprising: a computer; and a movingbody that is connected to said computer and to and from which an inkcontainer can be attached and detached, and an antenna that is providedon said moving body and that is for reading and writing informationwirelessly with respect to an element provided on said ink container,wherein when said ink container is attached to said moving body, saidantenna presses said element.